This is the first week in awhile I haven't been able to distract myself from all that is going on to continue to focus on my Work in Progress. Most days, even with COVID-19, I get to my day job stuff early in the morning so to try to leave some brain space for late … Continue reading A tribute to Clackamas County
Memories
Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
This photograph, taken by F. Sowell around 1912, shows Edward Klees pulling taffy at Oaks Amusement Park. Image credit: Oregon History Project. My oldest memory tied to Portland's Oaks Park mostly reminds me of the Don McLean song American Pie. When it was first popular on the radio, early in the 1970s, I was an … Continue reading Oaks Park: Portland’s Coney Island on the Willamette
As you lie resting
My nose and mouth are hidden by a flowery purple print, fabric better suited for a spring tea than to be saturated with dampness on this hot summer day. The cloth tastes salty if I lick it, fresh residue from sweat, tears and snot. If it’s a day you are in bed, I stand outside … Continue reading As you lie resting
What I wish I knew before
So, you say, your partner (loved one, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend) has decided to run for a political office? I decided, perhaps it would be helpful for me to come up with some tips I've learned over the past almost 8 years, about what to expect. Take them as you like, in jest or full seriousness. … Continue reading What I wish I knew before
Portland Wrestling: A league of its own
Illahee Wrestlers poorly mimic Portland Wrestling. (I'm not sure how they got me to smile for this photo!) As a kid I was called a tomboy, not a girly girl. I'm hopeful that our kids of today aren't dropped into either of those buckets, and instead invited to be wherever on a continuum they want … Continue reading Portland Wrestling: A league of its own
Oregon, football and stadiums: a recap
When I first wrote the blog Early Portland and the flying pigskin I had no idea I was merely scratching the surface of this fascinating topic. And, whereas I frequently remind folks that I am no historian, I do find the stories I have learned to be an interesting and welcoming distraction during these times … Continue reading Oregon, football and stadiums: a recap
Stories of our generation: Mount St. Helens
Each generation holds memories unique to a time period, influenced by place. I have no doubt all of us alive today will forever remember the impact the novel coronavirus makes on our lives, creating unique but oddly similar stories, many of them sad. For people living in the Pacific Northwest on May 18, 1980, the … Continue reading Stories of our generation: Mount St. Helens
A religion of kindness
Had you asked me before –prior to this pandemic– if I'd ever blog about religion, I am certain I would have answered no, without hesitation. Way back then it simply wouldn't have been something to pop to the top of my writing topics of the moment. Too private. And, prior to the pandemic, I was … Continue reading A religion of kindness
Mourning
I miss her. This mother of mine. My missing of her is different than that of Dad. He who already left this earth. I’m an unknown shape to her through the window unless it’s a good day. She sees the darkness in my hair. Outline of my lips in a smile against the paleness of my … Continue reading Mourning
This one’s for Karen
Our dear friend Karen died on February 4 of this year, 11 days prior to my release of Then, Now, and In-Between: Place, Memories, and Loss in Oregon. Karen was loved by so many: friends like me and students and co-workers and sisters and brothers and nephews and sons and a daughter and her husband … Continue reading This one’s for Karen
